Golden Globes: Ricky Gervais Returns as Host, Provokes Hollywood

Ricky Gervais again proved his penchant for provocation as he returned as host of the Golden Globe Awards. "Shut up, you disgusting, pill-popping deviant scum!" he said by way of greeting the crowd. Ricky also poked fun at Olympic decathlon champion turned Hollywood celebrity Caitlyn Jenner

Ricky Gervais again proved his penchant for provocation Sunday as he returned as host of the Golden Globe Awards, ribbing Hollywood's A-listers with at times uncomfortable jokes.

"Shut up, you disgusting, pill-popping deviant scum!" he said by way of greeting the crowd.

"One Hollywood publication said that me hosting would mean that some film stars would stay away for fear of being made fun of. As if film stars would stay away from the chance of winning a Golden Globe -- particularly if their film company has already paid for it," he said, alluding to longstanding criticism on the process for selecting the winners.

Ricky poked fun at Olympic decathlon champion turned Hollywood celebrity Caitlyn Jenner, a pioneer for transgender rights by speaking publicly about her gender change but who was also involved in a deadly car crash last year.

"What a year she's had. She became a role model for trans people everywhere, showing great bravery in breaking down barriers and destroying stereotypes. She didn't do a lot for women drivers, but you can't have everything, can you?" he said to applause.

Ricky got noticeably less laughter when he joked about French-Polish director Roman Polanski, who stays away from the United States to avoid prosecution for the 1977 statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl.

The Briton also took aim at the presidential race in the United States with a jab at Republican front-runner Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized immigrants.

Introducing two Hispanic stars to present an award, Ricky said: "Eva Longoria and America Ferrera aren't just beautiful, talented actresses. They are also two people who your future president, Donald Trump, can't wait to deport."